So what is this all about, the secrets of the trade,eh.
Well, I think the first thing is how I build. Typically a steel string guitar, whether "hand built" in a small shop or a Martin, is built as an industrial product (I know you don't want to hear this, takes the romance right out of it, but there it is )
I aproach it like a classical builder, each part selected, sized and shaped for it's max. potential, I think it makes a difference so I keep on doing it.
My bracing is the basic X brace, scalloped, and that extra curved bar. It intesects the X braces at the bridge plate and so stiffens the area behind the bridge. Nothing floating, glued onto the top all the way. Of course the whole geometry the of all of the braces is also important, but don't get scientific on me, I'm too artsy for that

...and I only build 12 a year, including Classicals and other stuff
Happy Picking,
Oskar